CORRESPONDENCE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 4, 4 January 1877, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

To ehb Editor of the 'Evening Mail.' Sir,— l see by the report in this day's paper that the Nelson Caledonian Society have had another very successful meeting, from which, after paying prizes and all other expenses, a large surplus will remain in hand, which, added to the capital left over from last year, will amount to a considerable sum. Now, sir, as one of the oldest subscribers to this Society, I would like to ask the Committee what they iutend to do with this money? and why, considering the amount of funds in hand, the prizes were not larger, so as to make the games more attractive. Of course, as no statement or balance sheet has ever been published, I do not know, except from the reports in the papers of the meetings in 1876 and 1877, anything of the workof this Society, but, a3 far as I can judge from the published accounts, I am inclined to believe that the capital now in hand must be over £200, and, if lam right, why not apply the money to some public purpose, and. not allow it to lie idle in the hands of the Society's bankers. I am aware that the Society has stated that next year the prizes wili be larger and more attractive, but the ordinary income of the Society will provide ' for that, as the amount taken at the gates yesterday was more than double the amount of the prizes given away, in addition to which there is members' subscriptions, &c, the proceeds of sale of six or more booths, so that each year will amply provide for current expenses. I would therefore suggest that a meeting of the subscribers be called to decide upon what should be done with the present funds. The Interprovincial Regatta will shortly take place, when an excellent opportunity will be offered for devoting a part of the money to prizes for boating, swimming, diving, racing, and other sports, which are quite in accordance with the purpose for which the money was originally contributed.— l am, &c, A Thob Caledonian. Nelson, January 2, 1877.